Canon puts the spotlight on wireless flash/studio photography with Kenyan professional photographer Osborne Macharia

Canon Middle East, a world leader in imaging solutions, put the spotlight on wireless flash/studio photography, on-location lighting, direction and basic editing at the Light Freaks Workshop held recently with renowned Kenyan professionalphotographer, Osborne Macharia. 

A former participant of Canon’s photography training, Macharia shared his experiences on wireless flash/studio photography with 17 amateur and semi-professional photographers in Kenya, over two days at Ang' Camp Site, Kajiado. 

Starting out with the five variables of flash photography, the workshops covered understanding ambient lighting, using props, insights into composition and working with the outdoors as a canvas for photo shoots, making random locations work to a photographer’s benefit, and knowing where equipment such as EOS, lenses, and Speedlight, should be used. 

Macharia also presented participants with his own personal experience of using a Canon EOS 5D MK II, highlighting that his professional journey was indeed ‘Powered by Canon.’ 

Once the training was completed, participants were taken on a tour of Hell’s Gate, where they put their skills to the test and learned how Canon’s technology is ideal for supporting aspiring photographers who use nature as their backdrop, across a variety of fields of photography – from weddings to fashion. 

Commenting on the workshop, Anurag Agarwal, Managing Director, Canon Middle East, said: “At Canon, we want to empower both professional and amateur photographers with the ability to make the most of their skills and create the best possible images. Macharia shares our passion for digital technology and unlocking opportunities for aspiring photographers in Kenya. 

“This workshop further reinforces Canon Middle East’s “closer to customers" strategy as it helps strengthen long-term relationships with photographers while exercising our corporate social responsibility to become a truly excellent global corporation.” 

Macharia, a commercial and contemporary photographer who founded K63 studio, is based in Nairobi, and is a graduate in Architecture and Background Design. On his involvement with Canon he said: “I love digital art and its influence in defining culture in Africa today. Canon’s workshops will help the talented yet undiscovered photographers and filmmakers in Kenya find a foothold in the industry in order to share their stories and compete on an international platform.” 

As part of its corporate social responsibility, Canon holds training workshops throughout the region that are open to both aspiring and professional independent photographers. These are aimed at helping photography enthusiasts elevate their knowledge and skills. Additionally, experts offer insights into the most recent advancements in digital photography and the high quality yet affordable technology available on the market. 

In the past, Canon has also hosted workshops in Kenya on wildlife photography which were led by Jonathan and Angela Scott, Photographers & Canon Ambassadors, at the National Museums of Kenya. Another workshop held by Jonathan Scott was hosted in the Maasai Mara with Raul Gabat, Business Development – Pro Imaging Group at Canon Middle East. A third basic photography session was conducted by Raul Gabat at Hell’s Gate.

Earlier this year, Canon sponsored the Egypt Photo Summit where photographers and videographers met with stylists, directors, models and advertising executives to exchange ideas and showcase the latest trends. 

Canon Middle East is currently focused on diversification into new business domains such as professional cinematography and pro-video business in the region. For further details of Canon Middle East products and services, visit www.canon-me.com